A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Dewa Sanzan for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Dewa Sanzan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a cultural, fascinating, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Beijing travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Beijing and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing. Although Beijing and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Beijing has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its hiking. Beijing is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Beijing different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Beijing are world-renowned. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Beijing has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Beijing has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Beijing is well-known for its shopping. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan More Beautiful?

Beijing is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Dewa Sanzan is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Beijing is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Beijing is a family-friendly city. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly city. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Both Beijing and Dewa Sanzan are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Beijing is a good city for couples to visit. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Dewa Sanzan is a nice destination for couples. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan Better for Students?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Beijing is very popular with students. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Dewa Sanzan is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Beijing has some very good public transit options. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Beijing or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Beijing and Dewa Sanzan both are decent when exploring on foot.

Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not a very walkable city. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Dewa Sanzan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Dewa Sanzan. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

Families should spend more time in Beijing than Dewa Sanzan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beijing, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Beijing than Dewa Sanzan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beijing that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Dewa Sanzan if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Beijing is a fascinating city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Beijing is a cultural big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Beijing is a fascinating city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Beijing is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Beijing or Dewa Sanzan?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Dewa Sanzan. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking during these months.

In July, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets less rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the hiking trails.

Beijing is around the same temperature as Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dewa Sanzan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dewa Sanzan in the winter. The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Dewa Sanzan. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In April, Beijing is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Beijing